Republican Senator reads graphic passages from books including Gender Queer and All Boys Aren’t Blue in disturbing hearing on literature in schools

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) read explicit and sexually explicit passages from books allowed in Illinois schools, as the fight continues for Republicans to keep inappropriate topics out of the reach of young children in public schools and libraries.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulis was “disturbed” and noticeably uncomfortable as he watched the 71-year-old senator read the passages during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday.

The moment immediately went viral when Kennedy publicly read words like “masturbated,” “a**,” “c**k,” “strap-on harness” and “dildo” from the two pro-LGBTQs in the Senate hearing room. books Gender Queer and All Boys Are Not Blue.

Both books have been the subject of debate after being removed from libraries in some schools due to the highly explicit homosexual acts they depicted.

Tuesday’s hearing revolved around Illinois’ book ban law.

Giannoulias, who was a witness at the hearing, has spearheaded legal efforts in his state to prevent parents from banning books they deem inappropriate for their children.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulis, who is leading his state’s push against book bans, said it was “disturbing” to hear Kennedy read the passages.

He specifically launched an effort earlier this summer to block government funding for libraries that don’t adhere to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which states that reading materials may not be removed or restricted because of “partisan or personal disapproval.”

After reading very moving parts of the books, Kennedy asked Giannoulias, “What are you asking us to do?” Are you suggesting that librarians alone should decide whether the two books I just referred to should be available to children? Is that what you say.’

“No,” he replied, but Kennedy demanded, “Don’t give me a speech, tell me what you’re asking for.”

“With all due respect, Senator, the words you spoke are disturbing – especially coming out of your mouth – they are deeply disturbing,” the Illinois secretary of state responded. “But what I also want to tell you is that we are not advocating for children to read porn.”

“We are advocating that parents, arbitrary parents, do not have the opportunity – under the guise of child safety – to try to challenge the worldview in every way on these issues,” he added.

Rather than letting librarians decide which books children can read, Giannoulias emphasized that he wants to make sure that “individual parents (don’t) get to decide where that line is in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ — which involves a rape scene.” ‘

‘Should that book be removed from our libraries? “I think it’s going to be a slippery slope,” he added.

“Well, I think you should think about it some more before you come here,” Kennedy shot back. ‘If you are going to propose something, you must be able to explain what you are asking us in 30 seconds.’

Kennedy read an excerpt from the book All Boys Aren’t Blue with a graphic description of gay sex

He also quoted Gender Queer when the author talked about wearing a strap-on dildo

The viral moment comes as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, currently No. 2 in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, is also battling with schools in the Sunshine State to keep such graphic books off the shelves.

Iowa schools are also reviewing hundreds of books flagged for containing depictions of sexual acts.

Kennedy tried to prove Tuesday that the books being kept out of children’s hands are disturbing and contain adult content that parents should have a say in whether their children can access.

“Let’s take two books that have been talked about a lot,” the Republican senator told Giannoulias.

He literally read from the book All Boys Aren’t Blue:

‘I put some lube on, put him on his knees and started sliding into him from behind. I pulled out of him and kissed him while he masturbated. He asked me to turn over while he put a condom on himself. This was my ass and I had trouble imagining anyone inside me. He came on top and slowly inserted himself into me. It was the worst pain I think I’ve ever felt in my life. In the end I felt a mix of pleasure and pain.’

Kennedy also read from Gender Queer:

“I got a new strap-on harness today. I can’t wait to put it on you. It fits perfectly with my favorite dildo. You’re going to look so hot. I can’t wait to have your cock in my mouth. I’m going to give you the b****w**b of your life, then I want you inside me.’